Bird and Nugent both said they hope to retain their seats, with plans to continue business development in the city.

Bird pointed to the vacant 300-square-foot building at 1396 St. Clair River Drive — formerly occupied by the local chamber of commerce — as an example of a venue that can be developed, and said she recently ran into someone who expressed interested but didn’t share potential plans.

“Yes, there are empty buildings, and yes, this is opportunity,” Bird said. “If you have something important to you, please say something. … I work hard to help each citizen. Wherever I can display kindness, I have a concern for them.”

Nugent, too, wants to see more business brought into the community and said figuring out how to do so is a priority.

“The merchants are struggling,” he said. “If there’s anything I can do to help them, I’d like to do that.”

Recall petitions against both council members allege they attended meetings about the former Algonac Elementary School building and the church that planned to redevelop it. Bird’s petition also stated she talked about firing former city manager Doug Alexander days before he resigned.

B. Joseph Nugent.(Photo: File.)

Each example spurred some controversy among residents and plenty who said they’d like to see change on council to move things forward more positively.

Nolan had applied for the council seat left vacant earlier in 2017 after Helen Meldrum resigned due to illness. That vacancy went to Corey Blair.

Nolan has been among the more vocal residents in Algonac, speaking during public comment, such as the attempt to oust Alexander before he resigned in February. Then, she called for an end to the bullying among officials.

Michelle Nolan.(Photo: Submitted.)

“I do believe it’s possible. But we’ve got to start working on this relationship. I believe that we very much need to start making our community a very welcoming, open community to outsiders,” she said. “That is what is going to draw businesses and draw people to want to come here with young children, like it drew me 20-some years ago. But we have a board that is not unified that does not speak to each other in a respectful manner.”

Skarbek has also previously sought a council seat. In 2016, he campaigned as a write-in candidate but was unsuccessful. His message was similar to Nolan’s.

“I’m sick of seeing the people scared. People don’t want to put the (effort) out there because they’re scared for retaliation. I think it’s time for change, a positive change,” he said. “I feel like everyone has a different mindset on council.”

Jake Skarbek(Photo: Submitted.)

Both Nolan and Skarbek have cited their involvement in the community. Nolan, formerly a Clay Township resident, said she’s been involved in recreation group efforts, and Skarbek said he’s previously aided in blight cleanup and works with multiple local clubs or charity groups.

Wisdom, a former councilman, did not return calls for comment. A retired teacher, he spent two decades on council, including a stint as mayor and mayor pro tem. He had also unsuccessfully sought a seat in the 2016 election.

Bird is a longtime council member and was mayor until Eileen Tesch received the appointment at the end of 2016. Nugent, too, is a longtime councilman, having served in the role since 1979.

Like their challengers, they said they’re looking to move forward positively.

“It’s always been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Algonac and I hope they allow me to do so,” Nugent said.

Bird said she just loves being involved in the community — be it when she officiated weddings or worked with other residents around the city or the school district, from which she’s retired.

“The city means so much to me and has for so many years. It’s who I am,” she said. “… People think I lied to them; I never lied. I think those who support me know that.”

Contact Jackie Smith at (810) 989-6270 or jssmith@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Jackie20Smith.

Algonac recall elections

Irene Bird

Age: 75

Address: 570 Mill St.

Education: Algonac High School.

Occupation: Retired, former administrative assistant for Algonac Community Schools.